A prestigious private school in California is encountering criticism from parents after featuring a two-page spread in its 2026 yearbook dedicated to students’ anti-ICE protests. This section includes images of demonstrators with signs saying “Ice melts in hell” and “No one trespasses in stolen land.”
On January 30, over 100 students from Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles took part in a national anti-ICE demonstration, leaving the campus to march along Coldwater Canyon and Ventura Boulevard with their protest signs.
Initially, school officials informed parents they wouldn’t officially endorse the demonstrations but wouldn’t stop students from participating either.
Fast forward a few months, and the protest now holds a place in the yearbook.
This section features various protest photos and poses the question to students: “Which moment from the anti-ICE demonstrations felt most powerful and meaningful to you?”
The addition has sparked anger among some parents, who feel the school has crossed a line into political activism. One parent remarked, “I believe everyone has the right to their political views, but schools shouldn’t be making political statements. They definitely overstepped.”
Another parent expressed concern, saying, “It really shifts from education to indoctrination.”
This ongoing discussion is happening at one of America’s top private schools. With tuition surpassing $50,000 annually, this Studio City campus has built a reputation as a pathway to Ivy League institutions, drawing in Hollywood executives, influential figures from the entertainment world, and the children of affluent Los Angeles families.
In a letter to parents the night before the protest, Principal Beth Slattery mentioned, “As you might know, some students plan to walk out tomorrow at 11:45 a.m. to protest ICE.” She clarified that while the school doesn’t officially support the strike, it won’t stop students from leaving if they choose to participate.
After the protest, Slattery notified parents that around 100 to 125 students took part in the event.
She recounted, “Participating students walked through Coldwater and Ventura holding peaceful protest signs.” Slattery added that upon speaking with students afterward, she felt a strong sense of pride in them for standing up for their beliefs and hoped they would continue addressing important issues.
One student reflected, “I found it really empowering to feel such a great sense of community around me with other HW students and faculty.”
Conversely, some parents argued that the school is limiting the variety of opinions students encounter. “These political views from teachers are presented as fact, which restricts diverse perspectives,” remarked one concerned parent.
This parent also mentioned that others in the school community share similar apprehensions but hesitate to voice them publicly.
“Many feel the same way, but they’re scared to speak out because their kids might face backlash,” they shared.
On the flip side, critics argue that featuring the yearbook spread has allowed the elite institution to engage in intense discussions surrounding classroom politics.
Harvard-Westlake School has not responded promptly to inquiries regarding the issue.
